Our last day based in Courmayeur. We were down for breakfast at 7, then back to our room to collect our backpacks and poles. We have two Americans with us in our group, Donna and Sirangee and they proudly walked into the breakfast room both wearing Statue of Liberty headbands and waving small USA flags. We promptly introduced them to Vegemite. We can safely say they are not converted to the taste of Vegemite. We did however enjoy some Vegemite on toast.
Today our 6 Brissie walker friends all wore our very sparking sequinned gaiters. Very fitting with the 4th July celebration. We received many comments from fellow hikers as we sparkled our way through the track.
I think there is a niche market here!!!
We then walked to the bus stop to catch the bus to Villair Superieur. This day would see us walk 18 kms with an elevation gain of 627 meters with a total of 8 hours of walking. We do stop along the way for many photos and coffee at the rifugio’s (a chalet type building). They can sometimes be both a coffee shop and accommodation.
After travelling for 20 minutes on a very full public bus (mainly fellow hikers) we began our days adventure. We started near Arp Nouva and walked back to Courmayeur. So far this was our ‘easiest’ day with some of the most spectacular views. Yes, I know how many times do we say this, but it’s true. It’s almost like someone has rolled out a huge canvas, it just does not seem real.
Our legs were reasonably well rested from yesterday so muscle memory kicked in and off we went.
Our four Brisbane friends, with Mont Blanc in the background (the snow capped peak).
The day was magical, the weather, the views and the track were all great. We got to see Mont Blanc from the Courmayeur.
We walked on till we reached Refugio Bonatti. It was named after a famous Italian climber.
The open grassy areas are a lovely display of wild flowers. We do not see a lot of wildlife, but enjoy the local cows with their huge cow bells around their necks. If we don’t see them we hear them.
Mont Blanc just under the clouds.
We had a stunning picnic lunch surrounded by the mountains. Lunch is usually around 1.30.
Our decent was 1000metres and we walked back into the town of Courmayeur. Today was a highlight. As we entered the town the group went to the local gelateria. Some very weary walkers easily ate the delicious ice cold gelati.
A briefing is held each evening prior to dinner and lead by our guide Rafaelle so we know what’s ahead of us. Rafaelle will talk about the time to meet for breakfast, where to put our bags in readiness for transfer, the weather, the time it will take, the distance to cover and general conditions of the track.
Tonight we had dinner in a local restaurant with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes as entrees, followed by pizza then either Tiramisu or Lemon Sorbet. All delicious, went down a treat.
Back to the hotel, rinse out some sweaty dusty clothes to dry overnight then catch up with the blog, shower and bed. Currently it is 10.17 pm and we are both weary but excited about tomorrow’s walk. Each day presents with new challenges but the scenery never disappoints.
Entree
This sign is in every window about town. There is a Mont Blanc Challenge coming up on the 7th to the 9th July. You can run either 30/55/100 kms. Anyone interested?
Feeding Vegemite to Americans never gets old and simply MUST be done. Stunning scenery from a perspective that would not be possible from a sealed road. The hills are alive!
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